UGA gaining ground on 4-star DB

Back in July, UGA was second-to-last on Jamyest Williams‘ list of top schools. Much has changed since then.

Williams, a 4-star cornerback from Archer High School, reiterated on Friday that the Bulldogs remain among his five leading programs. The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder says UGA made the leap after he clarified with defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt on what position he was being recruited for.

“It changed a lot,” said Williams, one of the top 2017 recruits in the state. “I went to Dawg Night and I showed out. I had a great time, had a great talk with Pruitt. Coach Pruitt and (head coach Mark Richt) told me they really want me at defensive back. That’s what really brought them up.”

Williams says UGA is now No. 3 or No. 4, but the Bulldogs, like others, still trail Clemson.

“(Defensive backs coach Mike Reed), he reminds me of my Dad,” Williams said. “And he has a great relationship with my Dad. (Head coach Dabo Swinney), too, and (defensive coordinator Brent Venables). Coach Venables is a great coach. I love what he’s doing with that defense.”

Williams says he’s also talking often with Tennessee, UCLA and Michigan State. He told the AJC that he’ll be attending the Spartans’ home game against Oregon on Sept. 12 with teammate and UGA target E.J. Price.

“I love the reputation they have with their defensive backs,” Williams said of Michigan State. “I love the way they work. I’ve been up there before and I’ve watched them practice.”

Williams plans to take unofficial visits to Florida State, UGA, Tennessee and Oklahoma this fall. Ideally, he would like to visit UCLA and Stanford, too.

Williams, a two-way player, rushed for 172 yards and five touchdowns in the team’s season-opener on Friday.